A Perth man killed by a shark while swimming off Sorrento Beach has been remembered as a devoted family man, passionate swimmer and “all round witty guy”.
Greg O’Neill, 63, was about 15 metres offshore with a friend when he was attacked at approximately 10.30am on Friday. His remains have not been recovered.
Floral tributes have been placed at the beach, which remains closed, as relatives and members of the Sorrento community paid their respects.
In a statement, Mr O’Neill’s family said they were “deeply shocked and devastated” by the loss of a father, grandfather-to-be, brother, uncle, husband and friend.
“He was a generous, devoted family man that gave his children so much love, care and opportunity,” they said.
“Greg loved the ocean and was known as a passionate swimmer, sports lover, dedicated worker and an all round witty guy.
“The kind thoughts and support from everyone who has reached out are deeply appreciated.”
Witnesses described the distressing scene as the shark attacked Mr O’Neill in front of beachgoers.
Local nurse Ingrid Michell said she had been having coffee nearby when the shark alarm sounded and went to the beach in case she could assist.
“The mate was putting his arms up to wave that he could see a shark. The shark took his friend from 15m offshore, dragged him at a rate of knots out in front of that bouy there, and just mauled him in front of us,” she said.
“It tossed the guy up out of the water and down again.”
Other residents brought flowers to the beach, while one said the whole Sorrento community was thinking of Mr O’Neill’s family.
Great white shark search under way
Authorities have issued a rare kill order for the great white shark believed to be responsible. Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis said she believed it was the first such order in a decade, but that it was appropriate given the circumstances.
Conditions were considered too hazardous for Fisheries Department officials to search the water on Saturday. Sorrento Beach was expected to remain closed until at least lunchtime on Sunday.
Mr O’Neill’s death has also renewed calls for shark nets to be returned to the popular beach. Nets were previously installed there, although others have argued they were ineffective and harmed other animals.
“Sorrento Beach is a place so many of us love and an incident like this is incredibly difficult for everyone who spends time along our coastline,” Hillarys MP Caitlin Collins said.
